First-time Homebuyers Information

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If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll want to start preparing to take out a mortgage well before you apply. Here’s a guide to getting yourself ready.

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about First-time Homebuyer’s Guide: Preparing for your first mortgage

What’s the difference between fixed and adjustable rate mortgages? What are points and credits? How will your down payment affect your interest rate? We have your answers.

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about First-time Homebuyer's Guide: Understanding your mortgage options

In his latest post, Better Mortgage Chief Economist explains why falling house prices can be a good thing for homebuyers — and why the rent-price ratio (aka rental yield) is...

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about What’s up with house prices and why rental yields matter

Buying a house is overwhelming, especially for a first-time homebuyer. But with the right preparation, you can take control and avoid the most common homebuying hurdles. We’ll show you how.

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about How to Successfully Close on a New Home

Don’t let these common first-time homebuyer myths and misconceptions scare you away from buying your dream home.

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about 6 first-time homebuyer myths

Buying a home with a significant other, family member, or close friend? Here’s how to decide whether or not to include them on the mortgage.

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about Should you add a co-borrower to your mortgage?

Struggling to get your dream home in a competitive market? These tips can help you make an offer that truly stands out to sellers.

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about 7 ways to make your offer stand out in a competitive market

Considering a 5% down payment for your mortgage? We're here to help demystify the low down payment mortgage.

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about When a 3-5% down payment isn't a risk

When you’re trying to determine whether it’s a smarter choice for you to rent or buy your home, you need to consider what is involved with renting vs. buying.

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about Are you ready to stop renting and buy your home?

Getting ready to apply for your first mortgage? Make sure you know what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the entire mortgage process from start to finish.

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about First-time Homebuyer's Guide: Applying for your first mortgage

Learn what mortgage lenders are looking for when evaluating a loan application — and what first-time homebuyers can do to meet their requirements.

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about First-time Homebuyers Guide: How to think like a mortgage lender

When financing looks questionable, mortgage contingencies come into play. Find out how Better can provide assurances with funding.

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about Mortgage Contingency Explained: Importance for Buyers and Sellers

These days, bidding wars and homes that just fly off the market are increasingly common. Here’s how to make a competitive offer so you can win your dream home.

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about Making a Competitive Offer

This home affordability calculator can help you understand how much house you can afford before you start the shopping process.

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about Home affordability calculator

PMI, or private mortgage insurance, is required for low down payment mortgage loans. Learn about how it can affect the final cost of your mortgage.

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about What is PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance?

Here’s how you can put down roots and buy a house without having to give up your dreams of traveling the world.

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about How first-time homebuyers put down roots without giving up their travel goals

From job changes to pay structures, your employment income can play a major role in your mortgage application. Here’s what you need to know.

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about How does your job affect your mortgage?

See what you’ll miss if you buy a house without an agent, when DIY can work for you, and everything you need to know about how to buy a house...

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about Thinking about buying a house without a realtor? Read this first.

Getting a mortgage pre-approval letter from an online lender can be one of the fastest and most accurate ways to calculate how much you can actually afford.

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about What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

You may have gotten pre-approved to buy a home, but the property itself can impact what house you can afford.

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about How your property affects how much you can afford
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